Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

What to do if my cat's tail is limp, swollen, and painful?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 14 lbs

Hi, my cats tail is limp and looks a little swollen at the base, he doesn’t seem in pain he is still purring as usual but he is moving slower than normal, he hissed quite aggressively when I touched it (not normal) he usually lifts his behind and raises his tail when clapped but not today, he is trying to and is moving it more as the day goes on but it is not straight up as usual or anywhere close to normal, he is a night cat and fights a lot, could he have been bitten maybe?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 3rd, 2017

This appears to be a classic presentation of a tail-pull injury. This happens when the tail gets pulled very forcefully (either it gets stuck under something like a car tire, or gets pulled by someone). This causes significant damage to the major nerves at the base of the tail, which is very painful and can cause paralysis of the tail.

This requires that you take Kovu to a vet as soon as possible. It's not an emergency, but best if you go to a vet within 24 hours, because he will need pain medication and possibly other treatment. Your vet will be able to give you a better idea about the severity of the injury and prognosis.

I hope that helps and Kovu gets better soon.

18Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on December 3rd, 2017
Poor Kovu! If he is allowed outside, he could have injured his back or tail causing these problem. If he's not lifting his tail in the air, he is aggressive to you when you try to touch it, and he is not walking well, then yes he is in a lot of pain. He needs to see a vet now for this, as there isn't anything you can do at home for his pain. Many human pain medications are toxic to cats and are fatal if given, so the only safe pain meds are available at the vet. He should also have x-rays done on his back and tail to see what is causing his pain. Please take him into a vet now. I hope this helps!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on November 16th, 2019
Poor Bo is in pain. He may have injured it outside. I recommend resting him for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a leash, and bring him right back in when he's done. If he still appears painful after this time, then I would take him into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. He may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My cat's tail is down and hurts after being outside. What happened?

This usually happens when they have lower spine pain and/or had a tail-pull injury. Cats can get their tails caught in things (i.e. under tires, fences) and tend to struggle a lot, which can cause further injury to the muscles, ligaments and nerves. These types of injuries tend to heal well over a few weeks. You can apply ice to the area fro 15 minutes twice a day to help take down the inflammation. It's best to take Oberin to a veterinarian in order to get pain medication and an accurate diagnosis of the problem,. I hope that helps and Oberin gets better soon.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat came home with a limp tail and can't lift it. What's wrong?

It could be that Moochacho injured his back or tail while outside. I would keep him indoors tonight and do not let him outside in the morning. If his tail is still limp in the morning, give the vet a call and make an appointment for him to be seen that day. Do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. The vet can prescribe pain medications as needed, and treat the cause of the limp tail. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My kitten's tail is swollen and fluid-filled after car accident?

Do not attempt to drain this yourself. Felix needs to see a vet immediately to get this checked out. It could be fluid accumulating, but he could have an infection or that could be internal bleeding. I can't say what exactly is causing the swelling without seeing him in person, but I would consider this a medical emergency. Please take him into a vet now. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat's tail is limp, and he's licking it a lot. Is it injured?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Raoul! I would worry about trauma: someone pulled his tail, his tail was ran over and fractured or other nerve damage. Ideally he should be seen by a Vet to potentially X-ray to the tail to look for fractures. I hope this helps and I wish Raoul the best!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat has a painful tail lump, still limping after vet. What to do?

I suspect that Mishkey got attacked by another cat. Keep an eye on this area, if it isn't looking better in a few days, he should probably be rechecked by the vet. Sometimes that irritated skin will start to die and turn black, in which case it often needs to be removed surgically. Minimizing activity and giving pain medications as prescribed by the vet is the best you can do for him at this time. Make sure his food and water and litter pans are easily accessible.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat's tail is limp & warm. Should I take her to emergency vet?

Hello and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! When a cat is holding their tail lower or not able to move it around normally it can indication an issue with the sacrum, an injury to the tail, or even a neurologic issue. If Dora seems to be acting otherwise normally (eating and drinking normally, walking normally and without a limp or stiffness, not hiding, still grooming, using the litter box normally) it may be okay to wait until tomorrow. However, this could be a sign of pain and heat can be from inflammation or infection. If you are concerned that Dora is in pain it may be worth it to make a trip to the emergency veterinarian for peace of mind. And certainly if Dora is not walking normally, not eating or drinking or having trouble urinating or defecating you should definitely see a veterinarian tonight. Good luck and I hope Dora is feeling better soon!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat's tail is limp and looks infected after being outside. What now?

Market's tail is very red and looks infected. I would visit her vet asap as she will at the least need medication. Whilst there the vet can examine her and try to determine why her tail is limp. It could be neurological or could be due to the pain of this wound.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share